The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe’s ambitious plans for the First Light Resort and Casino in Taunton, Massachusetts, are taking shape after years of legal and operational delays. Among the latest updates is the inclusion of 10 gaming machines at a welcome center under construction on reservation land in East Taunton.

Gaming machines preview future casino:

As The Taunton Daily Gazette via Yahoo News reports, in a letter to the Taunton City Council, Mayor Shaunna O’Connell revealed that the welcome center will feature “native artifacts showcasing the Tribe’s historical culture” alongside “10 gaming machines.” The mayor described the machines as offering a “limited gaming preview” of the casino, though it remains unclear whether they will involve monetary stakes and payouts.

Tribal spokesperson Steven Peters declined to provide further details about the gaming machines but emphasized that the welcome center is designed to educate visitors about tribal history and culture while offering a glimpse into the upcoming casino project. The public will learn more in early 2025 when the Mashpee Wampanoag presents its phased development plans.

Legal and operational hurdles:

The First Light Resort and Casino has faced nearly a decade of setbacks, including lawsuits and the loss of its original operational partner, Genting Americas, in 2021. Although the tribe secured a gaming compact with Massachusetts in 2013, construction has stalled since breaking ground in 2016. However, a favorable resolution to legal disputes in February 2023 has reignited the tribe’s efforts.

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council Chair Brian Weeden expressed optimism, stating, “We are working toward presenting these plans to the public in early 2025.” The planned updates are expected to address the operational partner issue, as securing a new partner is critical to advancing the casino project.

Located on sovereign tribal land, the welcome center does not require additional permits or licenses to begin operations. However, the city has requested a public presentation in January 2025, followed by a memorandum of agreement (MOA) vote to ensure the tribe meets its financial commitments to Taunton.

The second source highlights the importance of these payments, as delays in the casino’s development have already impacted the tribe’s ability to compensate the city for property tax losses.

A new era for the casino project:

The welcome center, which also involves site cleanup efforts to address years of illegal dumping, represents a tangible step forward for the First Light Resort and Casino. While gaming machines at the welcome center provide an exciting preview, the casino’s future hinges on finding a new operational partner and finalizing development plans.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe’s determination, coupled with recent legal victories, suggests that the long-awaited casino project may finally become a reality. With updates expected in early 2025, the First Light Resort and Casino represents not just an economic opportunity for the tribe but a revitalization effort for the Taunton area.